Cyclists and Mobile Phone Use

In Australia, cyclists could be slammed with massive on-the-spot fines for using their phones while riding. The new rules mean that fines for cyclists using phones will match those for drivers of other vehicles, and police will have the power to issue them immediately. The $476 penalty will even apply to bikes that are stationary, and bicycles will have to be parked for a fine to be avoided.

The new rules aim to ‘stop the dangerous and potentially deadly practice of cyclists using their phones while riding. The Minister for Roads and Safety Luke Donnellan states ‘Whether you’re driving a car or riding a bike – you shouldn’t be on your phone – so we’re giving police the power to issue an on-the-spot fine when they catch riders doing the wrong thing.’

Cycling and using a phone isn’t illegal in the UK, however, you could commit an offence deemed as “careless riding” or “riding without due care and consideration”. Both of these offences carry similar consequences and will depend on whether you are cycling incompetently. In this situation, a cyclist who is found to be posing a threat to themselves or others could be looking at a fine of up to £2,500.

What do you think? Should using a mobile whilst cycling be deemed illegal?